CHICKEN SHAMI KEBAB

 Hope all of you are enjoying warmer weather. I sure am. With warmer weather, comes all the weekends of grilling . And I shall always remain partial to my love for Kebabs. Its no secret, that we try and whip up some Kebabs, on Friday nights. Shami Kebab is a favorite at our household. While its usually shallow fried, but we have seen , that it does great on the grill too. In case, you were looking for some fresh Kebab ideas, I decided to try out an even different version of Shami Kebab.

What exactly is Shami Kebab? Its originally made with minced lamb/goat meat, marinated with onion-ginger garlic paste, paprika, cumin powder, coriander powder, chopped mint . What lends shami kebabs their signature taste is a paste of yellow lentil, which is kneaded with the meat. This unusual binder, is one of the most important parts of shami kebab. And we also add in an egg too.

I had picked up some organic ground chicken breast and thighs. And thought of  making a batch of Shami Kebabs, by replacing the ground lamb with ground chicken. The result was a much leaner version of the kebab, but we loved it. And Chicken Shami Kebab joined the roster of Kebabs for Friday nights. As I had earlier mentioned that , this kebab grills pretty well, so you can make it even healthier.

There are many Shami Kebab recipes all across the Internet, which cooks the minced lamb/goat, before they are formed into kebabs. The yellow lentils are also partially cooked. Thats not how I do it. I marinated the ground Chicken which I had picked up from Target, and marinated it, over night. I soaked 1/4 cup of yellow lentils also overnight. The next afternoon, I drained and washed the lentils, and blended into a thick paste. I like to keep the meat to lentil ratio 3: 1. Feel free to add in chopped green Thai Chilies, if heat is what you prefer. Season the mixture with salt. And you are ready to roll.

I will usually add the paprika and chopped green chillies later, as I like to make a few non spicier kebabs for my daughter.

It pairs very well with either Naan, or if you are indulgent like me, Biriyani. If you want to know how I make my Goat Biriyani, then click HERE.

CHICKEN SHAMI KEBAB : 

Ingredients: 
Ground Chicken : 1 lb
Yellow Lentils( Toor Daal/Arhar Daal) : 1/4 cup
Fennel Powder: 1 tsp
Paprika: 1 tsp
Ginger - Garlic - Onion Paste : 4 to 5 tbsp
Egg : 1
Mint : Chopped : 3 tbsp
Cumin Powder: 1 tsp
Coriander Powder : tsp
Green Chilies : Chopped (according to heat preferences)
Salt : to taste
Canola Oil : for shallow frying

Procedure : 

Marinate the ground chicken with the dry spices overnight.
Soak the lentils overnight

The next day, wash and drain the lentils and grind them to a fine paste. Use as less water as you need.

Add chopped mint, chillies to your marinated meat and season with salt.

Use the lentil paste and an egg as a binder.

Shape the meat mixture into small patties.

Shallow fry till golden brown on both sides.

If you are grilling, then grill on a low flame, and slow cook.

Bon Appetit ! Enjoy ! 

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SMASHBOX VS WET N WILD : LIQUID MATTE LIPSTICK

When compliment flow in all round for a lip color, you know you have picked yourself a winner. Whats even more interesting, is when I tell you, that its a dupe for a popular high end color and you have paid a fraction of the price, for your find. Welcome to the clash of Smashbox VS Wet'n'Wild.

I have always been a fan of Matte Lips. So  you can imagine that I a very much on oard with teh current trend of Matte Liquid Lipsticks. The Sephora Collection, Creme Lip Stain in Always Red, is my ultimate favorite in this genre. If I had to pick out a second favorite, it would be Smashbox Always on Matte Liquid Lipstick in Driver's Seat.I have been wary of the 90s Brown Lip trend ,which seemed to taken the world by storm for some time now. Its just me. I didnt want to look like my 16 year old self again. So when I came across  Smashbox Driver's Seat, it seemed like I could jump on the bandwagon, but not look dated. I received a smaple size of Driver's Seat in my October Sephora Play Box. If you want to read a detailed review , then click HERE.

The color is a rust, or a cross between an orange and brown. It flatters my warm complexion, and has a great color payoff. I fell in love. But when I had reached my local Sephora for a full size version of it, they were out of it. I held on to the rest of the sample, lest I run out,

The hunt began for an alternative.

Wet 'n 'Wild - "Coral Corruption" 

The drug store often has wonders hiding in its cosmetics aisles, only if you have the eye for them. The Wet'n'Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit Lipstick in Coral Corruption is one such wonder. If you dont own it already, pick it up on your next Target Run.

Its not an exact Dupe but the closest one, I could find. Don't believe me, Check out the swatches below.

Left to Right : Smashox " Driver's Seat" and Wet'nWild " Coral Corruption" 

The SmashBox shade is more orange, while the Wet N Wild shade is more red. But overall they are great dupes for each other. Both have a doe foot applicator, which makes application so easy. Speaking in terms of formula, both glide on very easily. I use a lipliner to line my lips, so that the color doesnt bleed later. Both are very pigmented and super matte. Smashbox is priced at $24 for 0.13 oz and Wet'n'Wild is priced at $4.99. Being Matte Liquid Lipsticks, both are a bit drying. But as you get what you pay, the Smahbox one is better in that regard. The Wet N Wild one, can cling in patches, after you have had a meal, and is more drying. You might have to use some lip balm, after you have used the Wet N Wild one. They both go on glossy, and dry matte, like any other liquid matte lipstick. Both can be re-applied with similar ease. 

Smashbox - " Driver's Seat" 

With Summer almost here, both are great shades, to add to your stash. go ahead and take your pick. For me, I am stocking up on both.

SHOP THE LIP COLORS :

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THE BLOG GUILD "A MOM'S DAY MARKET" RECAP

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend an event hosted by the new CEO of The Blog Guild.I had been a member of the erstwhile KC Blogger Meet Up, which re-christened itself to The Blog Guild. Owners changed over the years, and it was the invite to a brand new event. Last Saturday I was supposed to join a few of my fellow bloggers at Beauty Brands, at the Country Club Plaza for a breakfast hosted by Bare Minerals. But I missed it, for another engagement. Then it was time to head to Simpson House, downtown , for A Mom's Day Market, hosted by The Blog Guild.

Honestly speaking, I am still under the hangover of the older style of blogger meet ups, which were popular, so a market sounded intriguing and exciting. I am self confessed shopaholic after all.

Simpson House is such an elegant event space, which wows everyone with its quintessential old school charm. Loved wandering around the house and the lovely garden, on a bright Spring day. Built in 1909, this three storey mansion is such a lovely slice of history in the heart of Kansas City.

A handful of vendors from around town and its suburbs, had set up their wares from us to choose from. You could sip on your wine , grab a bite and indulge in some shopping , with your loved one.

Some of my favorite vendors from the event were Wild Wash Soap Co, Aubrey's Attic. Mountain MoversCo, Kristin Christopher Jewellery and From My Basket . 

What blogger event is complete without your favorite bloggers. While I missed out on breakfast with Erin , of Pretty Polished Perfect earlier that morning, we finally did catch up in Simpson House. Big Hugs ! Doesn't she have the most beautiful smile

Every blogger event comes with it share of old faces and new. Finally met up with Kaleigh, who is the new owner of The Blog Guild. She believes in KC Pride , not as a fad, but as a movement for good. Totally in it with you sister !

Looking forward to the next event hosted by The Blog Guild, which might involve some crafting ! There, you have a bit of the secret.

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JORD WOOD WATCH + WATERCOLORS + DENIM : MOTHER'S DAY OOTD

Hope all of you had a great Mother's Day ! Mine was fab. Another beautiful year, with my darling daughter, and I could not have asked for more. Little hands carried in gifts as I woke up. And seems like, she had a Fairy God Mother helping her - Jord Wood Watches . Besides the gifts picked out by Daughter-Dad, Jord Wood Watches  were kind enough to send me one of their Unique Wood Watches, just in time for Mother's Day. Isn't that wonderful ! Stay tuned to the end of the Blog Post, if you want to WIN A JORD WOOD WATCH ! 

Jord Wood Watches specializes in hand crafted wooden watches, each of which is a work of art. Jord believes that a watch should be more than just telling time. Each of the Jord watches, are surely a prized possession for their owners. For starters, its a Conversation Starter. You have a Jord watch on your wrist ,and chances are high, that people will want to know, how and where they could get such an exclusive time piece. Jord Wood Watches , as the name suggests are hand crafted for ethically sustainable wood. They are available in a variety of wood, and you can take your pick from Walnut to Acacia. My Watch is crafted from Walnut Wood. Every watch has Sapphire Crystal Glass, which is quite the Royalty in the watch world. Winner Winner all the way. 

I loved the wooden packaging, in which every time piece is so painstakingly packed. Its such a luxurious experience, as I opened my Mother's Day gift from Jord Watches. The wooden box, the small cushion which nesles the watch, a cleaning cloth and also wood polish. They surely know how to pamper Moms. And not only Moms, I might add, they know how to pamper all their patrons. With Father's Day less than a month away. I think these time pieces make for great gifts . Did I mention that you can get them custom Engraved and Custom sized with your order? I have a notoriously tiny wrist. So I loved it that Jord Wood Watches sized my time piece to fit me. I didn't have to run to a local watch shop to  have it custom fitted. So when you place in your watch order, remember that you can have it fit your wrist and also have sweet nothings engraved, if you wanted to gift it to the special someone in your life. In a long time, I have come across a product which is the perfect special occasion gift, for either yourself or your loved one. 

My watch is the Conway Walnut and Jet Black . Its the perfect example of how a classic style meets modernity. The chronograph feature is something I had been eyeing for quite some time. The earthy wood tones are a great contrast to the jet black. They compliment against my warm undertone , and make it just the perfect arm candy. If you want to shop my Watch, then Click HERE.  

The best part of the Jord Wood Watches are that they are mostly Unisex. Most styles can be worn by both Men and Women, although they do have a dedicated Men's Shop and a Women's Shop. I love big dial watches myyelf, so it seemed like a perfect fit for me. 

I wanted to style my Jord Wood Watch - Conway Walnut and Jet Black in a Spring Summer Outfit. I wanted to create a palette which would off set the earthy tone so the watch in the best possible way. Spring - Summer is all about light fabrics , and bright colors. Watercolors are a big trend in Spring - Summer this year. I love how feminine they are, and how they can flatter so many different silhouettes. I paired an Off the Shoulder Watercolors Top with a Denim Button down Mini Skirt. Jord Wood Watch in Conway Walnut and Jet Black, Chanel Sunglasses, Tassel Earrings and Gold Backless Loafers. Spring - Summer perfection. I was out for Brunch with my family and this Outfit earned me so many compliments all morning long.

A Huge Thank you to Jord Wood Watches for partnering with me.

If you want to win a Jord Wood Watch, then you can Enter this Giveaway, hosted by Jord Wood Watches, exclusively for the Readers of my blog.  
https://www.woodwatches.com/g/journotalk 

My Contest Ends : 06/11/2017 at 11:59 pm.
At the end of the Giveaway, a Winner will be chosen , who will win $100 off gift code.Every person participating in the giveaway will win  $25 as a consolation prize. So go ahead and try your luck. 

WANNA SHOP : 
My Jord Wood Watch : https://www.woodwatches.com/series/conway/walnut-and-jet-black#journotalk
JORD Women's Shop : https://www.woodwatches.com/shop/women#journotalk
JORd Men's Shop : https://www.woodwatches.com/shop/men#journotalk 


Disclaimer : This Blog Post is in Sponsorhsip with Jord Wood Watches. 

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MACY'S "CELEBRATE MOM" MOTHER'S DAY FASHION SHOW

Wishing my Mom and all of you lovely Moms out there a very Happy Mother's Day ! Lets raise a toast together ladies, and celebrate us. And a big HUG to all the kids who gave us the opportunity to celebrate this special day. So what are your plans ? As for me, I am celebrating the day with family. But I did get to do something very very special to usher in the special day. Macy's and Blogger and Stylist Caitlin Fore of "Sophisticaited," invited Me and my Daughter to reprise our role, the Macy's " Celebrate Mom " Mother's Day Fashion Show. We had an absolute blast. Huge Thank you to Macy's Town Center Plaza, Leawood, Kansas. 

Did you miss cheering for us at the red carpet? Dont worry, we got the video for you :

It was so special doing it with my daughter for the second year in a row. Kids grow up so much in a year, and walking with my daughter, hand in hand, surely made this Mother's Day extra extra special.

I have been struggling with losing the last of my baby flab, and the struggle is real. I am all for Body Positivity, but then I also like to dress, in a way, which helps me camouflage my flaws. Blogger/lStylist Caitlin, of Spohisticaited, is a Mom herself. So she knows exactly what was on my mind. As I arrived for my FITTINGS, I saw that Caitlin had outdown herself, yet another time. The color, the cut , the fit was so flattering and it was so beautifully co-ordinated with my Daughter. It was Spring Perfection. All the Outfits in the fashion Show are a part of Macy's Mom and Me collection, and can be shopped both in store or online.

It was time for D-Day. I arrived early, for my Make Up. I am all for flaunting my natural Hair texture on most days. But special days, call for special hair. So the Hair Straightener and extra 20 minutes did the trick. MAC was kind enough to do my MAKE UP. Thank you. I shall soon have a detailed post , dedicated to this particular look. Stay tuned to the Blog.

And then WE SLAYED !!!

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